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New on Oxygen

I got on oxygen last week and am curious to know if I am harming myself with or without.. A friend got all freaked when I got on it. My O2 sat % has been in the low 80s daytime and 70s or lower at night. She said I would become addicted to it and need more and more. I don't think she has ever gone without air and doesn't comprehend how it helps me feel a little better which is something.. Also was put on Ipratropium Bromide nebulizer medicine and albuterol rescue inhaler. All new to me!

  1. Hi Beetx and welcome to our community!
    Although we cannot provide medical advice (for your own safety), we have a lot of scientific information available her on COPD.net.
    However, the saturation levels you mention (70's and 80's) are generally considered to be very low. No doubt you are on oxygen because your health care provider recognized the need based on your diagnosis and blood work (low oxygen saturation). You will not become 'addicted' to oxygen. If your doctor feels the use of oxygen therapy will improve your breathing, that is sound therapy and it should help you feel more comfortable and less short of breath.
    You may find these articles on oxygen and oxygen therapy makes interesting reading.
    https://copd.net/?s=oxygen+therapy&submit=Go
    Please check back with us and let us know how you're doing.
    Warm regards,
    Leon (site moderator)

    1. I am on a oxygen concentrator at night . My sat level drops below 64% while sleeping. Believe me BeeTx like Leon said it isn't addicting. Just in case you do not know when your oxygen levels fall below 92% Your body doesn't get enough oxygen to your brain and other very important organs in your body. Cells start dying. Most insurance companies start paying for it if your sats drop below 87% .It isn't addicting it is important to function !If you need to be on it please do so! Thanks Leon for the site information . Being on oxygen can be a mentally emotional ride because you have to cope with the reality of having to be on it. The benefits far out weigh the out come with out it . Believe me I am there!

      1. Hi Daniel and thanks so very much for your insightful comments. We appreciate your own candor in sharing your experiences with our online community. Hopefully, other community members will see your post and derive benefit from reading about your own circumstances.
        Wishing you the best, Leon (site moderator)

        1. I don't know about the rest of you but, I read Just in case you do not know when your oxygen levels fall below 92% Your body doesn’t get enough oxygen to your brain and other very important organs in your body. Cells start dying. above this statement and it made me think. I can tell a big difference in myself since I have been on oxygen. One of the strangest ones is my finger nails.

          Yes I said finger nails. I use to have beautiful finger nails but, for the past three years they have been so, soft and would peel or layer and split and I could not get them to grow so, I was using fake nails. I have been on oxygen only for a month and a half and already I see white at the end of my nails. HOO RAH! They are growing again and feel strong. I had tried every product on the market and took minerals and vits. but, nothing worked till I got on oxygen. It was like magic.

          I figure if it made this big of a difference in my finger nails wonder what differences it is making inside me. WOW! This is getting exciting.

          1. carolcole - I don't think I've heard of anyone else that's had oxygen effect their nails. That's wonderful! I'm very happy for you. Peeling, chipping nails can be so annoying. I agree with you - it makes you think it's probably having other good effects that you haven't even noticed yet; particulalry on your pulmonary system.

            Thanks so much for sharing that.

            Regards,
            Lyn (moderator)

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